10 Best East Coast Beaches in the USA

We don't all have the benefit of being able to drive down to a beach and take a dip in the salty ocean waters. Don’t worry, there are many great beach vacations waiting to be discovered. The East Coast alone is filled with amazing vacation resorts, beachfront condos, authentic fresh seafood restaurants with catches right out of the Atlantic, and plenty of beach festivities to take you away from the buzz of the modern day hustle and bustle.
We’ve managed to pick out 10 of our favorites that are perfect for a family vacation or romantic getaway. Let us know what you think of our list!

1: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Stop by the sunny view of Horry County in South Carolina to see the infamous Myrtle Beach. While California and Florida may be the first states that many people think of when the topic of beaches come up, Myrtle Beach is a place that is infamous for not only its great weather, beautiful beaches, but also the one-of-a-kind atmosphere and hospitality. Don’t forget to taste all that fresh seafood dressed up in amazing southern dishes.

2: Duck's Beach, North Carolina

Another Carolinas beach that tops the list, for some of the same reasons, but also home to a unique personality in that it has such an amazing mix of appealing characteristics. Duck beaches are public, but with the private beach-quality attraction of being quiet, non-crowded, and yet still filled with plenty of things to do. Their watersports and live music acts are second to none, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of exiting entertainment while staying at Duck, NC.

3: Tybee Island, Georgia

Moving down to the state of peaches, Tybee Island doesn’t quite get as much notoriety as its closest neighbor, Savannah, Georgia, but you could say it’s one of the best kept secrets of the state. As an island, it provides plenty of beach real estate. Tybee is also home to a slice of Georgian history via museums and tour guides that can show you its place when it was under attack by the Spaniards.

4: East Hampton Main Beach, New York

Yes, we know the Hamptons is an expensive piece of real estate that not everyone can experience, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an amazing beach. Main Beach is like an exclusive nightclub, but on the shore and with lots more jet skiing involved. If you don’t have a best friend to get through the gates, you might find it difficult to find parking nearby, but once you’re in, it’s all worth it.

5: Virginia Beach, Virginia

We return to the southeast shoreline with Virginia Beach. The location along the Chesapeake Bay makes for a unique setting for beach lovers. This is a classic stretch of beach, complete with an iconic boardwalk lined with some of the country’s best seafood restaurants, beachfront hotels. It’s also within walking distance of popular theaters, clubs, and museums.

6: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

It gets cold up in Delaware, but we have the perfect cure for whatever ails you: the sunny side of Rehoboth Beach. This is a family favorite among all other beaches. As soon as you arrive, you know you’ve stepped into a special place where time temporarily stops and all that matters is having pure, unadulterated fun. Plenty of boardwalk entertainment and food, parks for the kids to play, and the warmth of the sun that makes you want to stay there all day.

7: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

While not as exclusive as the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard is a place that exudes luxury and upscale comforts. This is a beach that has more than just white sand and deep blue seas, it also has bountiful fine dining and marine sights and sounds that are filled with magnificent boats, as well as wildlife. This is a vacation spot that is best enjoyed over the course of a week, or two.

8: Ocean City, Maryland

Back to the DMV area, we are treated with more festivities along the beaches of Ocean City, MD. Think of this region as a sort of combination of party atmosphere and Caribbean lounging. Ocean City is filled with activities that take advantage of the awesome backdrop of the beach, from golfing to concerts, it’s nice to have such a mix of city life and beach life that works so effortlessly.

9: Cape May, New Jersey

Don’t listen to the critics, Jersey Shore is a legitimate contender for some of the best beach entertainment on the East Coast in America. Cape May is our favorite because it breaks the stereotype of all the loud and raucous Jersey personality. The vibe is laid-back and friendly here, it’s perfect for a family trip with plenty of things to occupy your days, like the nearby museums and zoo, if you aren’t into surfing or snorkeling.

10: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

It’s hard to pick just one South Carolina beach, so we picked two. Kiawah is our second favorite island beach resort on the East Coast. It has some of the best sandy beaches and dunes you’ve ever seen. There also happens to be a rich local wildlife in nearby marshes, an interesting contrast to your typical beach setting. This is definitely the nature-lover’s destination.